Distinguished Scholars - “Honorable Mention”
Ten entering freshmen from around the state and one from Central Tennessee are receiving Mississippi State's most prestigious and largest scholarships for the 2008-09 school year.
The Presidential Endowed Scholarships, along with the Otillie Schillig Scholarships, are the university's most prestigious awards. Collectively, the recipients are known as Distinguished Scholars.
Mississippi State's new class of Distinguished Scholars includes: (standing, front row, left to right) Hannah Rachel Cardin of Clinton; Jenna Owen of Wiggins, Matt Woolfolk of Columbia, Tenn.; Scott Penman of Jackson; Kristin Sharp of Long Beach; and Jamie Scott of Lucedale. The back row includes: Justin Huff of Ridgeland; Spencer Hall of Tipplersville; Emily Nations of Clinton; and Stanley Blackmon of Madison. Lorraine Lin of Vicksburg is not pictured.
The Presidential Endowed Scholarship Program was established in 2001 with the goal of attracting the region's most academically talented students to the land-grant institution. Today, 30 of the nation's brightest students are attending MSU with the aid of this prestigious scholarship program.
The scholarship awards cover tuition, fees, room and board and books for four years of undergraduate study. Each scholar may also receive assistance in finding a suitable summer research or work internship or an appropriate travel abroad experience to take place following his or her sophomore or junior year. To further enhance the students' educational experiences, each scholarship recipient is assigned a mentor in the student's field of study.
Aside from the obvious financial benefits, Distinguished Scholars are provided with numerous opportunities to grow as leaders on campus. Scholars have led Greek organizations, academic clubs, service organizations and even the Student Association. Many volunteer with organizations in Starkville and other nearby communities. Still others become leading scholars in their fields, participating in research projects along with MSU faculty. The scholars' impact is felt throughout campus.
A Presidential Endowed Scholarship may be established with a minimum gift of $250,000 that can be paid over a period of five years. For more information, contact Bo Hemphill, executive director of development, at 662-325-3686 or bhemphill@foundation.msstate.edu.
